Page 38 - Security Today, March 2020

“There is no ‘cookie cutter’ solution to deploying video surveillance cameras or surveillance functionality within a gaming facility.”
ulating cards, changing bets and so on. But cameras don’t blink, especially high-resolution IP fixed and PTZ cameras designed to meet specific gaming regulations that combine fast frame rates, high resolution and low light capability.
New multi-sensor megapixel cameras with panoramic view- ing capability or multiple independent adjustable lenses that can also be focused on specific coverage areas provide an extremely efficient, high performance solution to augment table game sur- veillance. These technologically advanced imaging solutions have proven to be very cost-effective, often doing the work of several lower resolution cameras, reducing equipment, installation and maintenance costs.
Recorded images from high resolution cameras can also sup- ply valuable meta-data to help casino security staff locate video recordings associated with specific incidents. This functionality may be primarily used for forensic analysis after a suspected inci- dent has occurred, but it can also provide additional advantages.
For example, data-mined video can also help with predic- tive analysis by correlating otherwise unrelated events to warn security staff of abnormal behaviors that may indicate an im- pending situation. Data mining and review in the context of operating procedures could also potentially suggest operational improvements.
Gaming Machine Areas
Slot games and electronic video gambling machines are highly profitable because they generally require fewer casino staff to op- erate, but these gaming areas need to be monitored very carefully to meet compliance regulations, and to protect customers from unscrupulous people. Surveillance cameras in slot areas can also assist with service issues and identifying persons of interest – in- cluding both high rollers and known threats – so they can be dealt with appropriately.
Variation in lighting poses a particular challenge amongst the banks of flashing slot machines. There are many applicable imag- ing solutions available to monitor activities in the difficult condi- tions found in slot areas. A combination of PTZ cameras, 360 degree panoramic cameras or dome cameras with fixed lenses are typically deployed to deliver the necessary coverage.
But finding the right economy of scale for camera selection and placement is most critical, and often a judgement call beyond the specific imaging requirements dictated by federal and state compliance regulations. Tighter coverage areas will require more cameras, particularly as casinos densely populate slot machine areas to fully maximize gaming floor space.
New High Definition (HD) and Ultra High Definition (UHD) cameras can provide a highly effective and cost-efficient solution, providing they can be positioned for wide coverage in the target image area. Available in many different form factors, the elec- tronic pan/tilt capabilities found in many of these cameras (or facilitated through a VMS) can provide simultaneous, real-time surveillance monitoring and recording of the full coverage area, while allowing an operator to manually pan or zoom electroni-
cally within the camera’s set field of view.
Intelligent video analytics can also be applied to better secure
and monitor slot machine areas. This includes, for example, “ob- ject left behind” detection to spot suspicious packages or per- sonal belongings left unattended by customers, people-counting analytics to gauge traffic in specific slot areas for both security and business intelligence data gathering, and facial recognition to detect known individuals, such as pickpockets and banned play- ers, who may have evaded detection at casino entrances.
Cash Handling Areas
Cash cages, ATMs, ticket/cash redemption kiosks and back areas where chips and cash are handled all require the highest levels of video surveillance. ATMs and ticket/cash redemption areas gen- erally use dedicated, fixed cameras monitoring all activity 24/7. Cash cages demand more attention with dedicated cameras sur- veilling all activities from both the customer’s and the cashier’s perspectives for documentation of each and every transaction, as well as identification of both the cashiers and customers.
Surveillance for back areas requires stringent measures dove- tailing with identity management and access control. These areas can involve several layers of access control technology including card/proximity readers, biometric identity confirmation and door interlock systems, or “mantraps,” to ensure only authorized staff can enter.
Surveillance cameras are typically deployed on both sides of these entry points as well as in the interior of any mantrap solu- tion and can be integrated with access control systems. Analytics may also be applied to these cameras for an additional layer of confirmation, business information and security.
Once inside secured areas, particularly those where cash and chips are handled, surveillance cameras must be deployed to monitor all activities to capture any misappropriation of assets, and for documentation in the event of discrepancies.
Identifying Persons of Interest
One of the primary objectives of casino surveillance operations is to quickly and easily identify persons of interest. This can in- clude known gaming cheats, individuals banned for unacceptable behavior or theft, and worse. Because the numbers of these indi- viduals and visitors are both large, it is difficult for surveillance staff to memorize and pick out the important people without some form of assistance.
Using advanced VMS solutions, high-priority persons of in-
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CASINO SECURITY
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